Robert Allen
President & CEO
CEO:
Robert Allen
Robert Allen is President & CEO of Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership.
Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Greg Abbott, and most recently served as President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC).
During his six years leading TxEDC, Robert spearheaded initiatives that advanced the organization’s mission to market Texas as the best state for business, including major international business missions to Japan, India and Europe. His organization’s efforts have helped catapult Texas to a record-breaking number of Governor’s Cups as awarded by Site Selection Magazine.
Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Greg Abbott, and most recently served as President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC).
During his six years leading TxEDC, Robert spearheaded initiatives that advanced the organization’s mission to market Texas as the best state for business, including major international business missions to Japan, India and Europe. His organization’s efforts have helped catapult Texas to a record-breaking number of Governor’s Cups as awarded by Site Selection Magazine.
Jessica Heer
Executive Vice President
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT:
Jessica Heer
Jessica Heer is the Executive Vice President of Economic Development at the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (FWEDP).
Prior to joining the FWEDP, she served as Senior Vice President of the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) responsible for creating and accelerating the marketing and brand strategy for the DRC, affiliated brands, and its strategic priorities.
During her tenure at the DRC, Heer led the creation and launch of several marketing campaigns, including the Say Yes to Dallas talent attraction campaign, and several corporate recruitment campaigns, including Why Dallas and Business Works Better Here. Her organization’s efforts led to many successful corporate recruitment projects, including AT&T, Jacobs, Kubota Tractor Corporation, and Toyota Motor North America.
Prior to joining the FWEDP, she served as Senior Vice President of the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) responsible for creating and accelerating the marketing and brand strategy for the DRC, affiliated brands, and its strategic priorities.
During her tenure at the DRC, Heer led the creation and launch of several marketing campaigns, including the Say Yes to Dallas talent attraction campaign, and several corporate recruitment campaigns, including Why Dallas and Business Works Better Here. Her organization’s efforts led to many successful corporate recruitment projects, including AT&T, Jacobs, Kubota Tractor Corporation, and Toyota Motor North America.
Sara Thurber
Vice President - Economic Development
VICE PRESIDENT - economic development:
Sara Thurber
Sara Thurber is Vice President of Economic Development for the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, overseeing Business Attraction.
Previously, Thurber served as a Retail Strategist and Broker for The Retail Strategy, an Austin-based commercial real estate firm, where she focused on new business development and national client account management. Prior to The Retail Strategy, she was Director of CRE Marketing and Business Development with United Bankshares, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
In addition to her background in Real Estate, Sara has extensive experience in marketing and business development during her time with United Bankshares, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
Previously, Thurber served as a Retail Strategist and Broker for The Retail Strategy, an Austin-based commercial real estate firm, where she focused on new business development and national client account management. Prior to The Retail Strategy, she was Director of CRE Marketing and Business Development with United Bankshares, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
In addition to her background in Real Estate, Sara has extensive experience in marketing and business development during her time with United Bankshares, Inc. in Washington, D.C.